It's Done!

Friday afternoon ended the school year! No more tying shoes, opening milk cartons, listening to tattling, or hearing whining until August 25th. However, I will miss bear hugs, random funny sayings, and making me laugh daily; but I think I can find something to keep my mind off that for the summer! Friday afternoon a group of us from school headed to the Black Rose for drinks and appetizers to celebrate. This event followed our impromptu dance party we had in the front office where we did the electric slide, the cupid shuffle, and let the three retirees dance down our line to Celebration! I came home that afternoon and enjoyed another cocktail with Ann while the pups ran crazy around the yard.
Saturday morning, I met up with some friends to run a race. Ann sent out an e-mail last week trying to get some friends to sign up for the Run for Kids Sake 5k at Warren Wilson college. It supported the Boys and Girls Club of the area so I signed myself up. The course went through the streets of the campus, back into trails along the creek, and snaked it's way back to the starting line. I had heard that this campus was pretty but had never made my way out there. It was not my best time, but I enjoyed running. Brad, Ann, Justin, and I enjoyed our snacks after the race then headed back to our houses. Maybe next year Maggie can run the race with us! I will certainly keep this race in mind for next June!
The afternoon was spent showering and running errands before meeting Ann and Brad to watch USA play England. We decided to just hang at their house which was great for the pups. Pattie and Chloe played together while we cheered on the USA! Pattie and I headed over to Jon and Caitlin's house after the game. Caitlin's birthday was Friday so they were having a cook-out to celebrate. Pattie and their puppy Brutus played together while the adults enjoyed fish tacos and cocktails. We made our way back to Ann and Brad's house around 8:30 so I could drop off Pattie. We left the dogs together in the house to play while we headed downtown for Wendy's going away party. In two weeks, she will be joining the Peace Corps in China to work and teach. She had quite a good turnout of people gathered to wish her well. After dropping Ann off and picking up my tired puppy, we got home after midnight. I crashed and actually slept until 9:45! Well, I woke up at my normal 5:40 time and was in and out of sleep until 9:30. My body needed some good rest! Now it's on to relaxing today!

Sweet 16 times two

Yes folks, you read correctly. I turned 32 yesterday and it was a fabulous day! I'm thinking I might enjoy my 30's more than my 20's. 29 was a hard number for me to digest, but it has continued to get better with each new number. I'm almost having more fun now then I did in my 20's and maybe that's not saying much!
My birthday was spent at school teaching six year olds. Well, let's back up. What kind of teaching do you think really happened on the 178th day of school?! We had water day all morning, lunch outside, played outside, and ate cookie cake topped with a good 1 1/2 to 2 inches worth of whipped icing; my favorite! After school, 15 of us gathered at Blue Sky for dinner! Maggie called ahead and they actually reserved 3 tables on the patio for us. I've never had reserved seating at my birthday before! Crystal, with the help from Owen, made lemon pudding cupcakes which were divine! I brought home 3 extras which I am savoring. Mandi and Ryan also brought a cookie cake which was also might tasty! I had 2 desserts Tuesday night, brownie topped with ice cream and strawberries at lunch, cookie cake with icing for snack, then a cupcake and a few bites of another cookie cake after dinner. I certainly "had my cake too"! Last year's birthday was quite enjoyable, but this year proved to be even better! I am certainly lucky to have such wonderful friends with which to celebrate!

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Birthday Weekend

My sweet mother came up Saturday morning to spend some time with me for my birthday. Dad actually offered too but mom knew he wouldn't enjoy the window shopping, leisurely lunch, and girlie movie time so much. I'll take a trip home the end of June to see him for late Father's day and we can catch up then. After mom arrived Saturday morning, we headed to a consignment shop on our way to Tupelo Honey for lunch...yum! The afternoon was spent shopping (mostly looking) and stopping for ice cream before taking Pattie for a walk. That evening, we made a pineapple and pepperoni pizza at home before popping in a movie, Valentine's Day. Sunday morning, mom made me chocolate chip pancakes (I realize I'm five and I'm okay with it) before we headed to church. We enjoyed a salad from Zaxby's while enjoying Up In The Air. Shortly after the movie, mom headed back down the mountain. What a great way to celebrate!
I'm never truly celebrated a birthday week, but this year has turned into one:
Tuesday: summer brew
Wednesday: chocolate milkshake and hamburger from Cook-out
Thursday: pulling weeds...it's free therapy
Friday: reading a People magazine (after cleaning!)
Saturday: hanging with my mom enjoying a bloddy mary
Sunday: chocolate pancakes
Monday: trail run with Ann and Chloe
Tuesday: hanging out at my friend Anna's house
I'm thinking of doing this every year! :)

Mountain Sports Festival

Saturday afternoon, I headed towards downtown to enjoy music with Maggie, Justin, and their two boys. The Mountain Sports Festival was holding free music all afternoon and evening. What two better words go together besides live music and free?! After enjoying the sights, sounds, and sweat for a few hours we packed up our stuff to head out to dinner. Before heading home, we enjoyed a mexican meal in the Biltmore area before calling it a night. By the way, this family is expecting baby #3 in October! Yeah!

Baseball Birthday Celebration

In the past two weeks, my friends Ann and Hollie had birthdays. We haven't all been together to celebrate yet, so I suggested that we catch a Saturday night baseball game together. This would be kid friendly in hopes that everyone could attend. We had a good turn out but missed the Anders family, the Johnsons family, as well as Mandi and Ryan. A group of us ate at Wild Wings then some of us walked over the game. It was nice to enjoy some baseball and each others company. Happy late Birthday to Ann and Hollie both!

GOTR

Since the end of February, I have been helping with the Girls on the Run program at our school. We met Wednesday and Thursday afternoons until 4:15 with 15 girls. The 4 coaches taught lessons on self- confidence, bullying, self-image, saying no to drugs, and how to help other friends. In addition to these lessons the girls were training to run a 5K. This past Saturday was the moment these girls had been waiting for and I think it was everything they imagined and more! We arrived Saturday morning to participate in the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K. There was a booth set up to get your hair sprayed super bright colors and more ribbons, bows, and headbands than you could imagine! One 5th grade girl on our team convinced each coach to get their hair done by these young beauticians! She even convinced our principal to participate and her dark hair was brightly sprayed with hot pink! I ran with a 3rd grader who I taught in Kindergarten and kid-sat 2 summers. She did awesome pushing herself up the hills, only walking a few steps before picking her starting point. We would walk maybe past three driveways before she picked out the next mailbox, stop sign, or driveway to begin running again. My friend Anna and two of her 3rd grade teammates showed up with homemade shirts to cheer on the girls! They also handed out roses at the end to their group of 3rd graders. Blair, Anna's husband was a running buddy for a girl in Anna's class. She was pumped to have "Mr. Holloway" as her buddy. All those times she struggled through practices was worth it in the end when she turned to him and said, "Will you be my buddy next year please?" All the girls did awesome and I am certainly proud of their hard work!

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Update on Pattie-cake

After Pattie and I spent 40 minutes one morning trying to get her back in the house, I had to take desperate measures! The good thing in all this was she never left my yard. So, she is now the proud owner of a shock collar. Luckily, I have only had to use the shock part once. She quickly learned to either come back when she hears the beep or come before the beep had to be used. My aunt Laura sent me a box of their old dog's stuff. It was like Christmas! We now have big bowls that I had my eye on in the stores, more durable toys, lots of leashes, and the most amazing invention for dog walking EVER! Although Pattie has gotten better, she still pulls terribly during walks or runs. I went walking with Anna who uses the gentle leader on her dog, Clemson. I realized there was one in the box. This past week I tried it and all I can say is AMAZING! It was like a hands-free walk for me! I think Caroline could even walk Pattie now and no one would get dragged down! So Tuesday of last week we used the gentle leader and Thursday I put it on and stepped foot into the woods with Ann and her dog Chloe. We were going on a 3ish mile jog in the woods where Chloe is allowed off the leash. After 3 minutes into the run, I decided to try Pattie off the leash. She was the leader of the pack! She would run ahead with Chloe but stop just before getting out of sight or either come back to check on us. She loved the freedom of chasing Chloe but knew her job was to keep me safe! I will certainly be going on more of these evening runs! In addition to all this fun, Pattie has been taking some tests. I have been leaving her out of the crate in the evenings or weekends when I've been gone for a few hours. She has made it up to 4 hours until yesterday. She spent the morning out of the crate lasting 4 hours then was left out for 5 hours was I gone in the evening. Pattie did awesome! I think both times she drank from the toilet, but so far nothing has been chewed up except the toilet paper so I took it off the roll this time. Really the toilet paper just looks like the clawed at it just to prove her point. Either way, I've been so proud of her and hope this good behavior continues!

Mandi Gets Engaged!

After 11 years of dating, Mandi and Ryan are engaged! We celebrated Wednesday night with some of the girls for dinner. Mandi (the one with the brown jacket on) and I have worked together for the past 5 years. She has certainly added some humor to my days at school! Now we wait for the big celebration sometime next year!

cheep, cheep

I took down the fern hanging on the porch yesterday to give it a little drink of water. As I sat it down, I noticed this tiny nest filled with four blue eggs. I bet the mama bird was watching me intently ready to strike at any moment! I'll certainly keep my ears open for the cheeping and hopefully I can post updates soon!

My Mom

I was able to spend mother's day weekend up here with my sweet mom. She arrived Friday night to a lasagna and salad dinner prepared by yours truly! We spent the evening playing with Pattie and sitting outside enjoying the weather. Saturday morning, I took her out to eat breakfast at Sunnypoint Cafe. (Which if you are a fan, they are in the running for the best breakfast by Good Morning America. You can vote May 15th, I believe.) After a scrumptious breakfast, we browsed Target and World Market before heading home. We played in the yard for a bit before deciding to head to Carl Sandburg's house. After traveling down the wrong road for awhile, we finally found our destination! We walked around the lake, the house, and the barn before heading to a few shops in the Flat Rock area.
We made a quick stop to pick up a few movies and a few more groceries before arriving back home for the movie marathon! We decided leftovers would make for a good dinner before popping some popcorn for the second showing of the evening. We watched It's Complicated, took a break and played outside with Pattie, then came back inside for Julia and Julie. Sunday morning, we ate our leftover breakfast with a few new extras and drank coffee leisurely. After church, I made mom lunch before she had to head back home. During our lunch of salmon, sweet potato, and sauteed squash, onion, and zucchini we watched the last move Love Happens.
We had wonderful weather and were able to enjoy being outside with Pattie while enjoying each others' company. I am truly blessed to have such a loving mother.

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Big Brothers

I'd just like to say Happy Birthday to my wonderful big brother! Thanks for taking care of your little sis all these years and for being such a great role model. I love you!

Growing Up

I took Pattie to the vet today. She hasn't been since the summer when she had her girlie surgery. Well, I actually took her a few months back to see how much she weighed before buying more heartworm and flea medicine. Anyway, I was totally dreading the experience based on past visits. However, this one was so much smoother! She never jumped on anyone that walked by or in the room and she even laid down while waiting in the room! She now weighs 44 pounds! They said she was ready to advance from puppy food to adult food. My baby pup is growing up!

On another note, while walking to lunch today here was my conversation with one of my kids:
Kaden: Is Mrs. Watkins married?
Me: Yes, she is married to Mr. Watkins.
K: Oh, I thought you were married.
Me: No, not yet
K: Well, you should find someone to marry so he can be Mr. Gribble.
Me: Laughing I told him that I would have a new last name one day when I met the right person.

Looking a little bit confused, he continued to lead our line to lunch.
Oh the thinking of five year olds!

Fashionista

Friday night I attended the Rachel Pally Trunk show at Gusto. Intending only to show support, enjoy a sweet treat and a drink, and mingle with family was overpowered by the beautiful necklace and green shoes that I purchased before the night was over! I wore my new shoes out of the store just like I had gotten a new pair of Zips shoes. (Apparently this was my "thing" when ever I got a new pair of Zips shoes when I was young?!) As you'll be able to see in the pictures, Grandmother decided later in the evening she wanted to try on some high heels! She and mom both are quite the shoe models! Saturday morning, mom and I met Kathryn and Tom at the mother load of rummage sales! The junior league of W-S was holding their annual sale. I walked out of there with 5 sweaters and 3 skirts for only $16; holding true to my $20 limit! That's some bargain shopping right there!
That evening, Mom and I headed downtown to join Kathryn and Tom for dinner before walking up to the fashion show. Gusto was the host of the evenings festivities. Some of the proceeds from both nights would go back to the Susan G. Komen chapter in W-S. The fashion show was actually the chapters deal and Gusto graciously offered their place and fashion tips! There were two breast cancer survivors who spoke about their journeys then joined the others to strut their stuff in the show!

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Showering of Friends and Family

Friday night, I arrived home in time to eat dinner with mom and dad at Pinebrook. Before I continue, I would just like to apologize to Pinebrook for chicken bones and cell phones; musical treats while the tea and table meet! (That's for mom and dad who are probably laughing right now!) Okay, let's continue. Saturday morning I went with mom to meet most of her brothers and sisters for breakfast. Laura and Grant were in town so Kyle, Kathryn, mom, and I meet up for a little breakfast, lots of coffee, and an abundance of chit chat! I love surprise meetings like this!Soon after the breakfast, it was time to head over to Audrey's shower.
Audrey is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Banks who is expected to arrive one year after Marty's death. Such a bittersweet moment this will be. Audrey received a kitchen table full of gifts along with a piggy bank for Banks. He certainly has a good start to his fortune! There was a dining room table filled with yummy snacks such as blueberry yogurt covered pretzels, chicken salad bites, shells filled with blue tinted "fluff" topped with a blueberry, fruit with dip, bite sized ham biscuits, and muffins. Can you tell that Audrey is having a boy and she also loves blueberries?! Mom and I helped Audrey unload the presents at her house, checked out gifts from previous showers, and saw the updates to the nursery. Banks will be set! That afternoon, I met Kathryn and Tom downtown for drinks and appetizers. It was a perfect afternoon for sitting in the sun and catching up. We later met up with Kyle and Marie for dinner. I stopped by Gusto on my way and invited the owners down for a drink. A few minutes later, Austin arrived and caught us up on the latest happenings of downtown life! What a family filled weekend! I'm looking forward to the fashion show next weekend!

Little Baking

This post is dedicated to my cousins, Mary (Maggie) and Lina, both of whom enjoy cooking, baking, and trying new recipes. I on the other hand do not get much pleasure out of cooking. When entertaining I do enjoy fixing foods. However on a daily basis cooking is not on my top list of things to do. One day I'm going to enjoy being in the kitchen...one day!
I was invited the last Sunday of my break over to my friends Anna and Blair's while they were grilling out. Blair enjoys grilling and he made a mean hamburger that evening..might tasty. I offered to bring dessert. I was craving a chocolate pie, but decided to spice it up a bit with crushed Heath bar pieces in the pie and sprinkled on top. This picture captures what I saw as I stepped back once the pie was complete. This is how we "cook" in the south:

Good Friends

Wednesday morning the Ohio Gribbles headed out for the long drive home. After a walk with mom and Pattie, I headed on my way to the Cary/Apex area. I spent the afternoon hanging out with Heather, Mark, and the boys. After work had ended for Jessica, I headed over to see her and the girls and drop off my stuff before heading over to the Hughes' house. Dinner was spent with Eddie, Jill, and Holly in between some playing time and bath time before I headed back to the Lewis' for the evening. Thursday we spent drinking coffee on the back deck and catching up while the kids played outside. That evening we went to Tyler's for dinner and a table for 10!!! After saying goodbye Friday morning, I swung back by mom and dad's to pick up the rest of my things and Pattie. She was glad to see me, but enjoyed her bonding time with GG and PaPa!!!!
I arrived home Friday afternoon to a yard full of hay! After unloading the car, I tackled the ridiculously high grass while Pattie sunbathed. Ann brought Chloe over to play with Pattie before we met Mandi out for dinner. Saturday was spent "sleeping in", pulling some weeds, heading out to run errands while Pattie was left out in the house (Pattie stayed by herself a total of 3 hours split between to different errand runnings. Yeah Pattie!), and then some planting. I also finally removed the "firepit" that Travis had built in the middle of the yard. Some of those rocks were heavy, but the whole process was quite therapeutic! Now let's just hope the grass seeds I planted will actually grow! I love Spring weather!!!

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One Last Day

Tuesday was our last full day together. We headed downtown so the rest of the family could see Austin's store, Gusto. After visiting with them, we walked down to Skippy's for lunch. Uncle Kyle met us there for a nice lunch outside. When lunch was finished, we walked back to the cars then headed to Putt Putt. Mom, Dad, and I took him to play. I played too since I can't remember the last time I had been! Kathryn stopped by for a quick hello before we all headed back outside to play. Sawyer got to fly his first kite from the Easter bunny, we did some more swinging, and playing baseball in the yard. After dinner, we walked up to the church playground for some fun before dark. It was a wonderful visit and I'm already looking forward to the next time!

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Celebrating Early

Monday was another busy day. Dana, Jammie's childhood friend, came up for a morning visit. We enjoyed some time at the park and outside time around the house. After lunch, Dad and Phillip took Sawyer to "the real golf course"! I'm not sure if Phillip or Sawyer was more excited! That afternoon, we played on the swings and grilled out for dad's birthday. His birthday is on the 14th so we celebrated early with steaks, potatoes, salad, and cake. Uncle Kyle stopped by after working at the farm for dinner. The kids enjoyed helping Papa blow out the candles, but more importantly eating his cake!

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Hippity Hop

Another beautiful day was spent enjoying the weather, family, and friends. The kids awoke to find the Easter bunny had left them baskets! Sawyer loved his toys and Caroline loved her candy! Uncle Kyle stopped by to enjoy some coffee and the festivities. After walking to and from church, we gathered for a family picture before dad left to pick up Grandma Gribble. We all gathered at Grandmother Gen's for the usual Sunday lunch before hours of playtime and "sunbathing" while chatting outside. The kids did some resting while some of us took Grandma Gribble back. After a walk with Pattie back to Gen's for dinner, we had fun playing hide n' seek in her yard.

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"Eggs"cellent Day

Saturday morning, we all headed down for golfing, breakfast, and an egg hunt. We went early and enjoyed breakfast with dad and Phillip before they headed out to golf. Since there was time before the Easter bunny would be arriving, Sawyer wanted to hit some far shots with the men on the driving range. After a few shots and keeping Caroline entertained, the Easter bunny had arrived! Caroline loved following the bunny around as he passed out chocolate. Finally, it was time for the egg hunt! The kids filled up their baskets with eggs filled with candy and money! We headed back home, unloaded the baskets, then headed over to grandmother Gen's for some playtime. Uncle Kyle stopped by for a bit of playing before heading back to the house for some lunch. The afternoon and evening was spent resting and enjoying the warm weather outside. Sawyer was quick to bed as Phillip spotted the Easter bunny hopping by!

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Easter Weekend, Day 1

Spring Break began Thursday at 3:45! After packing up the car and Pattie, we hit the road for good ol' Rural Hall. Getting into town after 7, I ran Pattie outside while we waited for the others to arrive. By 9:00, everyone was here safe and sound! We enjoyed some play time together before crashing. Friday was a busy day spent playing over at Grandmother Gen's, playing in the backyard here, going to see some chicks and ducks, and playing some more! Thankfully there are 4 more days of fun to be had!

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